Case

Study #2

Anna Vessely and Gregory Nahlik

3

Grade Level: 4th

Subject: Science
Learners: Environment, Intended earning Goals, and Lesson Content: This
instruction is geared towards 4th grade students involved in Purdues College
Mentors for Kids Program. There will be 15-20 students per group for this activity.
These students come from a variety of backgrounds, but are related in that they are
high-risk students. The instruction will take place on Purdues campus including
Stewart Center and the Memorial Mall. The goal of this instruction is to introduce
students to the parts of a tree and the different variety of trees that are found in
their community. After this instruction, they should be able to identify these parts
and explain their functions.
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Educational Standards1: 4.3.2 Observe, compare and record the physical
characteristics of living plants or animals from widely different environments.
Describe how each plant or animal is adapted to its environment.
Learning Objectives

Given a visual example of the

inner parts of a tree, the
students will be able to
identify by labeling the parts
of a tree without error
Provided a worksheet,
students will be able to scan a
QR code to discover and
record tree names and
information, providing all of
the correct tree names and at
least two facts about each

1 www.doe.in.gov/sites/default/files/standards/science/2010-Science-Grade04.pdf
2 Adapted from: http://lessonplanspage.com/ScienceSSMyLifeAsATree-
RingsBarkCambiumHeartwoodK4.htm/
3 Photo Sourced From: http://gallery.yopriceville.com/Free-Clipart-Pictures/Trees-
PNG-Clipart/Oack_Tree_PNG_Clipart_Picture#.VRh-tzvF80o

Case Study #2

Required Materials

Anna Vessely and Gregory Nahlik

Procedures

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Parts of a Tree instructional

visual poster
Campus Tree Map (1 per
student)
Tree Matching Worksheet (1
per student)
Using the Tree Parts poster,
explain the significance of
bark (protects the tree),
cambium (helps the tree make
new bark), and heartwood
(supports the tree from the
inside).
Ask the students if they have
any questions/understand the
parts of the tree.
Distribute one (1) Campus
Map and one (1) Tree
Matching Worksheet to each
student
Prior to the tree hunt, a
meeting place should be
established (such as the
Purdue Memorial Union or
Stewart Center) where
students will meet upon
completion of the activity
Have the students locate the
various trees on the Campus
Tree Map
Once they locate the tree, the
student should scan the QR
code on the Tree Matching
Worksheet with the
corresponding number from
the map
Students should then select
Extended Information on the
website, and record the tree
name and two facts about the
tree on the Tree Matching
Worksheet
Once all students have
returned with their completed
worksheets, review the tree

Case Study #2

Anna Vessely and Gregory Nahlik

parts and ask if the students
have any questions

Assessment

Closure

Tree Matching
Worksheet
Class discussion
Have the students
share with one another
their favorite tree that
they found and one
thing they learned
about that tree